ICU marks International Women’s Day

The General Secretary of the Industrial Commercial Workers Union Ghana (ICU), Mr Solomon Kotei, has urged employers to make policies to protect workers, especially women against sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

According to the General Secretary, more women were discriminated against, harassed and subjected to violence at workplace, home and public place which affects their development.

Mr Solomon Kotei said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ms Maku Vondee, a Senior Chief Industrial Relations Officer at the celebration of the International Women’s Day in Accra yesterday.

The day, marked on March 8, was aimed at celebrating women for their contribution in the country and globally.

The programme was organised by ICU Ghana in collaboration with industriALL, a global union, was on the theme, “All women Convention 190 (C190) — It can change lives”

 He said the International Labour Organisation adoption on Convention 190 (C190) would deal with issues of inequality, harassment and violence against women.

The National Women’s Chairperson of the ICU, Mrs Happy Aheto, commended women for their contribution over the years to improve the country’s economy, and urged them not to rest on their oars.

“As women, let us contribute more at our workplaces to ensure the growth of the economy,” she added.

The Accra Regional Officer of ICU, Mr Thomas Atiah, said the contribution of women in the country over the years could not be over emphasised, and stressed the need for women to take part in decision-making process at all levels.

The Head of Gender and Youth, Mrs Christine Asante, in a presentation on: “International Labour Organisation Convention 190”, said employers should ensure to deliver workplace policies, in consultation with trade unions, to prevent violence and harassment

She said women in the union must endeavour to educate members about violence and harassment at workplaces, also urged them (women) to promote discrimination and equality through campaigns and collective bargaining.

As part of the occasion the participants went on a walk in some principal streets of Accra and distributed fliers on the need to stop harassment at workplaces.

BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI